Government plans to centralise the running of water services in Ireland are to be met with resistance from Clare County Council.
With water charges coming down the line, the government is to set up a State company – Irish Water – which will be funded by domestic charges once meters have been installed, and public submissions on the plan are now being sought.
But a meeting in Ennis last evening heard calls for staff in the council’s water services section to down tools and take to the streets while other calls were made for unions to take action and threaten to "bring the country to its knees" by stopping water supplies.
All councillors backed a motion opposing the transfer of powers and assets from Clare County Council to Irish Water, and they’re also seeking clarification on the future of council staff employed in water provision and maintenance.
The calls were led by Cooraclare Councillor Bill Chambers who feels these services are best delivered locally
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